Sewing for Sanity

Hello Everyone!

I have been in the throws of a full on pity party. I've been really upset about James having to go back to Gunnison. Thanks to those of you who have listened to me complain and helped me rally out of the darkness!!! I'm feeling better about it now. Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about it. I AM dealing with it a little better.

For some reason, working on projects (craft or otherwise) just helps me feel better. So, I've been sewing for my sanity. I have lots of project floating around in my "project brain". (It's a notebook) I decided to start working some of them up. Then, I decided you all might like a peek. So, here you go...

My super adorable gnome people! (Inspired by Wee Folk Art and their little gnomes.) They are made of wool felt and wooden, turned people. My kids LOVE them. (We've even given some as birthday gifts.) I've got a plan in mind for a little drawstring pouch, mushroom looking furniture, and some sleeping bags. The gnomes and their "stuff" will all fit inside the little pouch. Cute huh?

This is Fisher's good boy chart. I'd had one out of poster paper that kept falling apart. So, I whipped one up out of felt. It's totally cute. I think one with flowers (or whatever) would be good for girls too. Those pockets hold the "light" color and numbers we aren't using. If he's on a green "light" at the end of the day, he get to put up a number. Get 4 numbers, get a reward. It can be something as simple as going to the park.

Then there's the "Man Crown". I had made a b-day crown for Piper and Fisher wanted one too. This one is made from leather scrap with wool felt lining (in his favorite color - of course) My Mom (a jewelry maker) made up those disks from copper and brass and punched holes around the edges. I sewed those on with green thread. Oh yea, it's adjustable too. Snaps in the back.

Just a little extra leather and a disk, make a pretty cute bracelet too. I'm told it's very Xena, Warrior Princess - y.

I repaired my trusty Simple sneakers. See how they were falling apart???

You can barely tell where I repaired them. They work anyway, even if you can tell!! A little leather cement, leather scrap, hole punch and presto!

Carly and I have also gotten really into "upcycling" clothes. (This is a terrible picture) This was a XL t-shirt from Goodwill. ($.99) Now, it's a cute and casual skirt. This was my trial run with converting shirts to skirts, so I expect them to improve. I imagine ruffles along the bottom and maybe (gasp!) pockets.

And what good update would be complete without freaking adorable kids in it??? Mr. Johnny - cute as ever.

Ah - the love!!! (Johnny does have a "get them off me, get them off me!" kind of face - but, I think he secretly liked it.)

We also made a crap ton of soap at Carly's house. That's our friend Rachael (Ruby's mom) packing Piper around. I think you may have seen the soap pictures (maybe) on Carly's stuff.

Well, that's pretty much what's been going on lately. I have more craft pictures to show - my stupid computer won't let me put them on. (Especially some really cute leather shoes I made for Johnny!) I'll get them for next time. AND....my big projects for the summer, (I need a distraction from my husband being so far away - snifffff.) an extreme home makeover and the backyard. I know I've said the backyard thing before. However....

There's a skid loader in it as we speak. So, I'm fairly sure it'll get done this time. ;) Also, a half finished chicken palace! They are going to be so comfy. James will be on a 10 day vacation starting tomorrow morning. WOO HOO!!! A little house work and a little camping trip are in the works.

And, on a side note - this is what happens when a boy meets a 2x4.

So, be prepared for my summer of...tear it up, move it out, and paint whatever is left. (Even the dogs are afraid of being painted!)

Much Love to you all!!

Kristin

P.S. Should any of you fall so in love with my craftage that you'd want to purchase something...I could totally be convinced to make more. :) It IS for my mental health, after all.

The Birth of a Blog

***Of course, I couldn't get the pictures on yesterday. Carly is helping me finish up today. I'm sure it's user error, but whatever. I'll hopefully know how for next time. If I've never mentioned this before... I. Hate. Technology.

K

Hello Everyone! The big day is finally here! A blog is born. Yippee!!! And what better day to be born than Earth Day?!?! (I'll surely remember the anniversary!) Anyway, I had big plans for Earth Day this year. We were going to get one of our garden plots started. However, I have done something to myself. I'm not sure what. My neck is really just wrong. I've been to the chiropractor 5 times in the last 3 days. Yes, it's that bad. On the mend now though. Just no heavy lifting or dirt turning. So..... A Fipper Show update.

It's been a pretty busy month. (Has it really been over a month already?) Here's a quick overview...

We went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with Maddie, Emily and Robin.

The zoo a few times.

Our sweet Ruby had a birthday. The big 3.

Easter.

Nana's 70th birthday surprise.

Snow Days.

And yes, she was a miserable as she looks in this picture.

And endless playdates with friends.

The kids are doing pretty well. Lets start with Fisher shall we...

He's getting really big! It's funny, sometimes I look at him and I just can't believe how much he's grown. Then he gets all, "Mom, why are you looking at me all weird?" Grown. He's still really into dinosaurs. He says he wants to dig for dinosaur bones when he grows up. And don't even kid yourself....he'll school you on dinosaurs. He knows stuff. I could get one of his books out and type out all these names - he'll totally know what I'm talking about. But you (probably) will not.

We've started dabbling in paper mache. It's awesome. We made dinosaur eggs for Easter decorations. I'm planning on doing some paper mache train tunnels for his little wooden trains. We also have some science experiments planned. I'll post about those later.

His biggest project right now is his apple tree. He was eating an apple one day and started connecting the dots with the seeds inside and growing things in the garden. (Yay!) He worked really hard to get a seed out. He then proceeded to go outside, get a bucket from his sandbox, fill it with crappy yard dirt, and plant the seed. He's been nurturing, watering, and checking it everyday. You'll all be happy to know, it's now about 2 and a half inches tall.

Miss Pipey has had an eventful few weeks. After MUCH thought and struggle (on my part) with the decision in front of us, we decided to have ear tubes put in. Once we made the decision, it instantly felt like the right one. So, April 12th, Piper had surgery. It was very quick and not a big deal. (to everyone but me) She woke up cranky and hurting. By the time nap was over, she was totally fine. The. Same. Day. She is so much better it's crazy. I can't even count how many times I've had to pull out all 4 names cause she's been in trouble. She just grins and looks at me like, "what?, I finally feel good enough to get in trouble." So, that should be fun.

She's got a mouth full of teeth. She charms everyone she meets. And she loves Bob more than she loves the rest of us. (but, that's okay - for now)

James is working. Working working working. It's a very stressful time at the job right now. We've also been told to expect Gunnison again. And that, my friends, is an 18 month job. Yes, that's what I said. 18 months. The ONLY other option in construction right now is a layoff. So, we are looking at making the best of a not-so-awesome situation. Again. It'll be great....right?

As for me, I've just been gardening, crafting, and sewing up a storm. I'm seriously considering a crafty blog in addition to this one. So, I'll keep you posted. I may just show you all the things I've been working on here. Piper is getting big enough that I can do stuff without having her on my lap. (sewing with her on my lap wasn't easy) So, more crafty to come, I'm sure.

Well, there it is folks. My update. Now, if I can just figure out how to attach the pictures we'll be in business.

See you.

JKFP